Ruqayyah Snyder
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, a violent shoot-em-up game, was banned in Australia for its inclusion of a violent sexual assault scene. The game was refused classification by the Australian Classification Board, banning it from being sold at retail. The ban was enforced under the reasoning that Australia does not allow games that deal with matters of sex, drug misuse, or addiction in a way that offends the standards of morality, decency, and propriety accepted by reasonable adults. While the game was initially banned, it was later released on the Nintendo Switch with an MA15+ rating, the second-highest in the Australian rating system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for ban | Refused classification due to a scene implying sexual assault/rape |
| Current status | No longer banned in Australia, but may be challenged |
| Classification | MA15+ rating, the second-highest in the Australian system |
| Availability | Available on Switch, PC version uncertain |
| Fine for violation | Up to $275,000 |
| Jail term | Up to 10 years |
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What You'll Learn
The game includes a violent sexual assault scene
The game Hotline Miami 2 has been refused classification and effectively banned in Australia due to a violent sexual assault scene. The game includes a scene in which the lead protagonist appears to punch and then sexually assault a female character. According to a classification report, the victim is pinned down and depicted struggling during the sequence.
The game's publisher, Devolver, released a statement criticising the Australian board for "stretching the facts" in its description of the scene. Devolver pointed out that players can choose at the start of the game whether to experience content "that alludes to sexual violence". They claimed that elements of the contentious sequence had been exaggerated in the board’s report, specifically mentioning that "specific thrusting actions" were not present in the sequence.
The violent sexual assault scene in Hotline Miami 2 was also depicted in an early demo exhibited at gaming events in 2013. In that version, the sequence cut before the assault, and it became clear that the scene was depicting a pornographic movie production. However, journalists and event attendees found the scene disturbing, and the developer, Dennaton, stated that they would reconsider its inclusion in the game.
It is important to note that the decision to ban a game in Australia is made by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). Under Australian law, all media intended for retail display must be reviewed by the ACB. If a work is deemed inappropriate, it may be "Refused Classification" (RC), banning it from being sold or exhibited publicly. While it is legal to possess RC games in most of Australia, the importation and distribution of such games are prohibited and can result in significant fines.
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$15.69 $17.95
The ACB refused to award an age rating
In Australia, all media intended for retail display must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). The ACB refused to award an age rating to Hotline Miami 2 due to a scene that involved a violent sexual assault. In the scene, the protagonist punches and pins down a female character before sexually assaulting her. The victim is depicted as struggling during the assault.
The ACB has a history of intolerance towards video game violence and has demanded cuts from other video game titles. The ACB's decision to refuse classification to Hotline Miami 2 effectively banned the game from being sold in Australia. Under Australian law, media that is deemed too inappropriate by the ACB may be refused classification, banning it from being sold or exhibited publicly. Such banned works are placed on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items, and any copies found at the border will be seized.
Hotline Miami 2's publisher, Devolver, criticised the ACB for "stretching the facts" in its description of the scene. Devolver pointed out that players could choose whether to experience content alluding to sexual violence at the start of the game. They claimed that the board's report exaggerated elements of the contentious sequence and incorrectly portrayed what was presented for review.
While Hotline Miami 2 was initially banned in Australia, it was later released on the Nintendo Switch with an MA15+ rating, the second-highest in the Australian rating system. It is unclear how or why the game became available in Australia after being banned for four and a half years. There is a possibility that the game's rating could be challenged or overturned in the future, resulting in its removal from sale once again.
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Sony accidentally released the game in Australia
In 2023, Sony accidentally released the banned video game Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number in Australia. The violent shooter game features a graphic scene of sexual assault, which led to it being refused classification by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). Under Australian law, all media must be reviewed by the ACB, and content that is deemed inappropriate can be refused classification and banned from sale. Sony's accidental release of the game in Australia resulted in refunds for those who purchased it, and the game was quickly removed from the PlayStation Store.
The controversy surrounding Hotline Miami 2 and its ban in Australia dates back to 2015. The game was initially refused classification due to its inclusion of a violent sexual assault scene, with the ACB highlighting the depiction of the victim struggling during the assault. Developer Dennaton had previously stated that they would reconsider the scene's inclusion following concerns raised at gaming events in 2013.
Despite the ban, there have been developments in the game's availability in Australia. In 2019, it was reported that the game had been released on the Nintendo Switch in the country, with an MA15+ rating. However, it was noted that the game's rating could be challenged or overturned, leading to its removal from sale again. As of 2024, the game remains banned on other platforms in Australia, including PC and PS4.
The accidental release by Sony highlights the complexities surrounding the regulation of video games in Australia. While the ACB has a history of strict regulations and intolerance toward violent content in video games, the introduction of the R18+ rating in 2013 was expected to reduce the number of games refused classification. However, Hotline Miami 2's refusal of classification and subsequent accidental release demonstrate the ongoing challenges in navigating the ratings system and ensuring compliance across different platforms and territories.
The incident also underscores the financial and administrative challenges faced by developers and publishers when dealing with content restrictions in different countries. While the game's publisher, Devolver, criticized the ACB for "stretching the facts" in its description of the sexual assault scene, they also acknowledged the possibility of the rating being challenged and overturned. The "wait and see" approach mentioned by Devolver's local Australian PR representative reflects the unpredictable nature of the ratings process and the potential for sudden changes in a game's availability.
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Developers can rate their own games
In Australia, all media intended for retail display must be reviewed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). A work deemed too inappropriate by the ACB may be Refused Classification (RC), banning it from being sold at retail and placing it on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service list of prohibited items. Games refused classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire, or public exhibition, carrying a maximum fine of $275,000 and/or 10 years in jail.
Due to the licensing of the International Age Rating Coalition software, developers can rate their own games. However, several hundred games have been banned from various app stores due to said games being released without a rating.
In the case of Hotline Miami 2, the game was refused classification by the ACB due to the inclusion of a violent sexual assault scene. The game's publisher, Devolver, released a statement criticising the ACB for "stretching the facts" and claimed that players would be able to choose whether or not to experience content "that alludes to sexual violence".
While the decision to ban a game is ultimately at the discretion of the ACB, developers can influence the rating of their games by addressing any concerns raised by the board and making any necessary changes or cuts to ensure compliance with the rating requirements.
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The game is now available on Switch
The ultra-violent video game Hotline Miami 2 was banned in Australia due to a graphic scene of sexual assault. The game was refused classification, which effectively banned it from sale in the country. However, the game is now available on the Nintendo Switch in Australia.
The game was originally banned because it was deemed to contain material unsuitable for an R18+ classification. The Australian Classification Board refused to award the game an age rating, citing a scene in which the protagonist punches and sexually assaults a female character. The victim is depicted as pinned down and struggling during the sequence.
The developer of Hotline Miami 2, Dennaton, had previously stated that it would reconsider the inclusion of the scene, which was also featured in an early demo exhibited at gaming events in 2013. Despite this, the scene remained in the game upon its release, and it was banned in Australia as a result.
While the game was initially refused classification and banned from sale in Australia, it is now available on the Nintendo Switch in the country. The game has been classified under the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system, which allows developers and publishers to submit their games for an automated classification process. The game has received an MA15+ rating, the second-highest in the Australian system.
It is important to note that the availability of Hotline Miami 2 on the Switch in Australia may not be permanent. The ratings board can still challenge the classification, and it could be overturned and banned again. As of now, Australians can purchase the Hotline Miami Collection, which includes Hotline Miami 2, through the Australian eShop on their Switch consoles.
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Frequently asked questions
Hotline Miami 2 was banned in Australia due to a scene that implied sexual assault. The game was refused classification, which is compulsory for all media intended for retail display, and banned from sale, hire, or public exhibition.
The Australian Classification Board (ACB) reviews all media intended for retail display and assigns a rating. Games refused classification by the ACB are banned for sale, hire, or public exhibition and can carry a maximum fine of $275,000 and/or 10 years in jail.
Other examples of video games that have been banned or had content removed in Australia include Saint's Row IV, Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto V, and South Park: Stick of Truth.
As of 2019, Hotline Miami 2 is no longer banned in Australia and can be purchased on the Nintendo Switch with an MA15+ rating. However, it is unclear if the game will be released on other platforms, and there is a possibility that the game's rating will be challenged or overturned, resulting in it being banned again.
